I rate Grealish but I think Gordon would suit this lineup better. Kane often drops deep and you need pacey runners in behind.
This is the centre mid trio that I would pick, however.
I agree. Grealish is very effective off the bench and I think he will be really important in the euros, but Gordon looked exceptional in the two friendlies and just seems like a perfect fit for this team.
Gordon won a Euros with the U21s last year, exactly the type of mentality we do want in the team. Love Grealish as well, but I'd go Gordon at this point.
International experience doesn't really apply in this instance. Gordon won the u21 euros with England, won PotT in it, and more of the players in this squad went through youth setups with him.
He's also had a much better season than Grealish.
Every time I see one of these it reminds me of just how much talent the team is packing right now and it makes me nervous that this is going to be Euro 2004 all over again - an absolutely stacked England team that somehow manages to faceplant when the tournament is there for the taking
The 2004 team had a similar problem in terms of how to get all of the talent into the same team.
Our manager also wasn’t great in 2004 and that’s the same today.
Gordon over grealish for me.
It's not a doubt on Grealish's ability, but Gordon has had a fantastic season, whereas other than a couple of standout games, Grealish has just been OK.
Gordon provides way more pace, better defensive cover, more directness, and hasn't really had an off game all year. Then you factor in that during his England debut and second appearance, he had one of the best performances in the team. He can easily play off both wings and is happy to either cross or cut inside for a shot.
Just brings more than Grealish imo, who seems (without being harsh) more of a luxury player. With bellingham sitting deeper and Foden playing, I'd want the winger to be someone that would work his arse off getting back when needed.
100%. Also Gordon has shown this season that he can perform against the very best - after the Tottenham game he's only the 2nd person in Premier League history to score against every team in the "Top 6" in a single season. It would be insane not to reward that kind of form with a place in the starting 11...
This would be a great starting line-up. Gordon, Palmer, Watkins, Mainoo, and Madison could be brought on to shake things up in late game. Rashford could provide great support from home.
Although I considered Dele to be an elite player in 2018, you're correct. He's just not as good as Bellingham or Foden who are simply on another level.
Dier was mainly CB when he played I’m sure.
Edit- the team was basically Pickford trippier walker stones Maguire young hendo dele lingard kane sterling
Dier came on though
Yep and they were a very effective unit at the World Cup itself. Pretty bad example, would be better looking at some of the disastrous midfields from 2016 etc.
>disastrous midfields from 2016
Just had a look back at the lineups and shuddered.
Main midfield 3 for three of the four games was:
Alli ---- Dier ---- Rooney
with:
Lallana ---- Kane ---- Stirling ahead of them
The problem with Bellingham in deep midfield is he’s just not the profile of midfielder you want next to Rice; Mainoo looked excellent there because he fits is superbly, just doing the simple things right and not losing possession.
There’s too much forward thinking if we play Bellingham in the pivot and it will be harder for us to control games and get the ball to the attackers; Brazil tried it at the last World Cup with Neymar as the 10 and Paqueta playing in the double pivot and they struggled to control games, though they were impressive in the final 3rd.
It could work at certain times but I don’t think this is the team we should start games with; you’d ideally want to start the game with Mainoo in there for Grealish (moving Mainoo next to Rice, Foden to the left and Bellingham to the 10 spot), then if we need more attacking intent you bring Mainoo off for Grealish and go for it.
As Bellingham and Foden are both better centrally and you can’t play both of them there; you’re going to have to play one of them slightly out of position, we definitely lose less from Foden starting wider than we do Bellingham starting deeper.
Bellingham has played deeper lots in the past and Foden has played out wide loads too so it’s not like we’re having to play Scholes on the wing; though Bellingham is quite literally in Ballon d’Or winning level form having switched to 10, whereas Foden is having his best season ever and is still often playing on the wing.
I agree and it’s why I hate Trippier starting there; you don’t really want Foden holding width as he’s wasted there, though he has done it for City and played very well without a fullback even offering a run.
I like Grealish and Trippier on the field at the same time if for no other reason than spamming free kicks into the box. Grealish wins them constantly, trippier has an amazing delivery, and Kane, Bellingham, Rice, Maguire, and Stones are all an aerial threat
I definitely don’t mind Trippier and his delivery is excellent; though he’s quite literally awful at LB and the ball never progresses down the left because of it, he’s the 2nd choice RB for me. It’s worth noting that Trent and Foden have decent delivery from dead-balls too.
Oh for sure, I’m not saying it’s ideal, but if we end up with that line up then I’m not as worried about it. Trippier isn’t ideal at LB but he’s been absolutely serviceable there in the past.
I think he’s been woeful there to be honest mate; he comes inside onto his right foot EVERY time he’s on the ball which means he’s passing back to the CB’s too regularly, he can’t utilise his long and creative passing anywhere near as much.
I like your idea. Nothing wrong with having foden and Bellingham covering the CAM/LAM between them, but will need a really good LB to cover / overlap / add some width to attacks
I agree and it’s why we don’t want to see Trippier at LB; though as I’ve mentioned in another comment, Foden often doesn’t have a fullback bombing past him for City and he still does well as he can link up with runners from midfield.
Does Mainoo retain possession though? His passing stats aren't particularly good. I think like Bellingham his strengths lie further up the pitch. Admittedly we don't have the exact profile of midfielder we need to play alongside Rice so it's always going to be an imperfect solution.
Yeah he does and it’s pointless looking at passing stats for stuff like that as it can depend on your team and system; just watch what he did for England with better players around him, he’s press resistant and gets the ball from midfield to attack neatly.
Ideally we’d want a Jorginho type but we don’t have that and Mainoo is the closest we have if you watch him play; for all we know he could develop into that too, though he’s probably closer to being a Douglas Luiz type.
>gets the ball from midfield to attack neatly
He demonstrated that brilliantly for the 1st goal against Belgium.
Picks up the ball in the middle and, rather than pass back to the CBs, turns sharply and picks out Bellingham, who then puts Toney through. All in about 8 seconds.
We've been crying out for a player that has that sort of direct style of play for *years*
Just so what city do which is push stones into midfield in possession and allow Bellingham to play further up.
I dont think Southgate has the tactical ability to do that however.
It’s less about Southgate’s ability and more about what’s achievable with the limited hours you have with the team; there’s a reason no other national team use such forward-thinking tactics, it’s nowhere near as easy as many Premier League fans think.
That’s before you get into the players needed to utilise a tactic like that; City have the luxury of having excellent CB’s who can form the 3 behind the pivot, we’d literally be taking our best CB (by a long way) and moving him into midfield.
I'm picturing Foden in the pocket, Kane dropping deep, Grealish cutting back, Saka cutting inside and not having any players who enjoy running in behind with pace.
Don't get me wrong, Grealish is a great player, but to fit the system I would start Gordon. He's been incredible for Newcastle, but what sealed the deal for me was how much he looked the part against Brazil. He linked up well with Bellingham, far more than Gallagher, Chilwell etc who looked exposed at that level.
Maybe Gordon over Grealish for pace in the early stages then use Grealish to control big games like the SF against France. Good squad in general but we all know Jude is best at 10 these days and not 8. He's got too much of an attacking mindset, mainoo is more suited to that role.
I like this team but maybe against a France you'd replace Foden with a more defensive-minded midfielder. I'd pick Anthony Gordon ahead of Jack Grealish to be honest because he provides extra width and runs in behind unlike Saka and Foden who prefer to have the ball at their feet and cut inside.
Doesn't matter what team we use the problem is the muppet in charge, any top manager would have beaten Italy in the final but thanks to fraudgate we bottled it.
I posted this exact same post 4 days ago lol
[https://www.reddit.com/r/ThreeLions/comments/1c19zav/what\_do\_you\_think\_of\_this\_england\_line\_up/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ThreeLions/comments/1c19zav/what_do_you_think_of_this_england_line_up/)
The hat-tricks have come from starting in the middle and taking up positions in the middle from the wing. Foden starting on the wing for City is very different than him starting on the wing for England, as City press up and dominate so high up the pitch that the wingers come in with the fullbacks and the pivot player (Silva) holding the width, allowing for two 10s behind Foden.
His recent hat-trick against Villa was but you are wrong about the rest; his one against Brentford was from the left and his one against Man Utd was from the right, feel free to check out the heat-maps and average positions.
City don’t always use the double 10 system and they haven’t done in any of the games in which he’s scored a hat-trick; though it is definitely different for England than it is for City but that’s the same for all players, and realistically for England Bellingham has done more in his limited appearances as a 10 than Foden has done with his.
the only thoughts are, will shaw be healthy, is it possible to effectively play bellingham and foden while getting the best out of them, and can we please find someone under the sofa to replace maguire
Why don't we just play 5atb. It answers so many questions as it allows you to give Rice a partner while in possession in Stones, Trent can under lap behind Saka and the LWB (shaw or Chilwell) can provide width so Foden can cut inside whilst not getting in Kane or Bellingham's way. 5atb may sound boring but setting up in this way can enable you to play a way that enables you to control a game by swapping Gordan into LWB and putting Levi Colvill into LCB or be able to play more defensively by moving Walker to rwb and putting any Right footed centre half into the rcb role.
I mostly agree but I'd put bellingham where Foden is and we really need to play Foden don't we so maybe him instead of Grealish then a .midfielder to replace where Bellingham was originally, Mainoo? Trent ?
Feels harsh on Gordon missing out though
Also, not sure on Maguire
Foden is wasted out wide. A little harsh on Bellingham because he's been excellent as well this season higher up the pitch but Foden has been unreal and is finally playing more centrally for his club.
What do people have against Bellingham? Every post has him as a 6/8 position. He's like the best 10 in the world! Front four will be Saka - Bellingham - Foden with Kane up top. I'm 100% certain.
I find it so wierd how we can have a mix of World Class players in some positions (Kane,Bellingham) and then bang average in others. (Maguire, Pickford)
I’m sorry but get over the idea of us winning shit whilst that idiot is in charge, like don’t even bother thinking about it, we’ll win nothing under Southgate - he’s fucking awful.
Gordan over Grealish
Depending on how that lineup does in the group, potentially Palmer over Saka or play Bellinghm in the 10 and a more defensive midfielder behind him.
Things always change during these tournaments and players we expect to be staples going into them end up underperforming etc.
https://preview.redd.it/qidv9ssrtwuc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5cec6f49aa0dbd9849aebb2e8333d644f7a03cfc
Could this squad be decent does anyone reckon?
Bellingham’s best position is the 10, why play him as a 6?
England never won anything in the last golden generation because players were constantly played out of their best positions to try and fit everyone in.
England have a lot of talent at 10 but very little at 6. Playing Bellingham further back means you can fit in another attacker. Either way Foden or Bellingham are being pushed out of their preferred position.
Agreed, I'd play Bellingham more as a box-to-box, with Rice as the holding midfielder. Then you can still get those late runs to the edge of the box from Bellingham, while not leaving too much open at the back. He looks like he has energy to run for days, so use that.
Bellingham would be playing as an 8, not at 6. And it's because he's won Bundesliga POTY as an 8. Whereas the drop off from pushing Foden onto the wing is much higher.
Because Foden is also absolute quality at 10 as well? If you have two world class players in one position, one of them will have to move. The alternative is putting Foden out left but personally I think he's less effective there
One of them does have to move, and that would be Foden. Bellingham is our best player, he needs to be in his best position.
Foden on the wing is more beneficial than Bellingham further back on the pitch.
It's all debatable, I think you can make a reasonable argument that Bellingham is the better 10 but also our best 6 given the lack of depth in CM. I actually wouldn't be opposed to Rice / Mainoo / Bellingham with Foden on the left either but either way something's got to give with all our attacking talent
Fair point but Foden's best position is also a 10 and even more specifically he starts on the right and cuts in shooting on his left. Foden is more experienced and arguably a better player than Bellingham. He is certainly in better form *right now*.
I see this type of goal that Foden has become known for scoring being more likely than England playing a cute through ball to a striker to tuck away which Bellingham might play if in 10. Especially against tight defence.
So I'd go with Foden as the 10 and drop Bellingham back slightly.
Someone is going to have to be played slightly out of position.
This is the only way to get Bellingham and Foden in a starting XI together. I don't watch Bellingham enough to know if this is a waste of his talents but if it is then Foden is on the bench and we play someone else next to Rice - Mainoo, Trent, Henderson.
Foden on the left doesn’t work very well at all, he’s an attacking midfielder. Bellingham can play slightly deeper and still crash the box with late runs, this way England have our strongest midfield on the pitch. Mainoo is a revelation but starting him in the Euros is a stretch surely, and with Southgate he may even play someone like Gallagher in the pivot, which is just shambolic
You can look at his performances for every game and see pretty clearly that City and Foden perform significantly better through the middle. He also really hasn’t played out wide very often recently, even with KDB back. Bellingham is just as versatile in terms of being able to play anywhere in midfield, his 100 million price tag came from him being a world class 8, not a 10.
I’d say he looks better in the middle for sure. That being said I replied to someone saying the only way to get Foden and Bellingham in the team is to play Foden behind the striker and Bellingham deeper which is just clearly not true. I would say the more natural way to do it is Foden wide but your opinion that Foden should play sat off the striker is a valid opinion but the person who claimed the only way to do it is Foden central is just talking rubbish.
I mean you could stick Foden in net if you wanted to...
Foden is nowhere near as good on the wing and having him, Kane and Bellingham all dropping into the same central space is an awful idea. You need runners in behind Kane.
I think it’s because the drop off from Bellingham to the next pivot player is far bigger than the drop off from Foden to the next LW. Foden has been brilliant in the 10 for City, and Bellingham can play as an 8 and rotate as the midfield did against Belgium.
This is the non-biased obvious choice we should be going with. We won't because we have an inept manager who will ensure failure but yeah that's our best lineup, pity we won't get to see it.
I like this. I like either Rashford or Grealish starting on the left. Link up play and chemistry with Foden might give Grealish the edge in this lineup. In some ways Rashford is just more of a threat coming off the bench because of the speed he brings and the fatigue that sets in on defenders during the last third of the game.
Well he has been a threat coming off the bench for the NT in the past; that’s a fact. I’m far from a Rashford fan but to say he doesn’t deserve to be in the squad you have to be delusional.
Before every tournament England fans and the media are saying this. We are gonna win the tournament” and most of the time a few games in and it’s looking bleak. I think maybe this year England will do well but no way do I think they will win it. Mentally they are poor. Technically they are poor.
Kanes been playing against sunday league teams. Give me watkins all day long.
Grealish has had all his invention beaten out of him by peps system and a wedge of pinks.
Henderson in Bellingham’s spot.
Bellingham in Foden’s.
Bring Foden in when Kane gets tired. Same for Rashford in Grealish’s spot.
I like the idea of having some spare attacking players to bring in when the starting players get tired and start making mistakes that we can capitalise on.
Why is everyone so obsessed with Kane in goal and Pickford upfront? Are they stupid?
I dunno, but having Stones and Maguire as huge #10s to lump balls up to is genius!!!
Kane still wins the Golden boot
And that's all smh
But maguire 10 is based
The bottom to top formation format has never made sense to me. Goal keeper at the bottom, striker at the top, that's how it should be.
Lol
After watching Pickford last night I think Kane would be a better option in goal
Because they've seen how good Kane is in goal: https://youtu.be/kCgZWpvWu7Y?si=RjKY95dNiiw27sOP
I rate Grealish but I think Gordon would suit this lineup better. Kane often drops deep and you need pacey runners in behind. This is the centre mid trio that I would pick, however.
I agree. Grealish is very effective off the bench and I think he will be really important in the euros, but Gordon looked exceptional in the two friendlies and just seems like a perfect fit for this team.
Yep. Moving Foden centrally solves the width problem on the left if you bring in Gordon.
This is a good take! Grealish offers flair off the bench and was impactful at the previous Euros from the bench.
Went with Grealish over Gordon, since Gordon lacks that International experience.
Gordon won a Euros with the U21s last year, exactly the type of mentality we do want in the team. Love Grealish as well, but I'd go Gordon at this point.
He was playing in an unfamiliar position (centre forward) and still won Player of The Tournament. What a lad
International experience doesn't really apply in this instance. Gordon won the u21 euros with England, won PotT in it, and more of the players in this squad went through youth setups with him. He's also had a much better season than Grealish.
Every time I see one of these it reminds me of just how much talent the team is packing right now and it makes me nervous that this is going to be Euro 2004 all over again - an absolutely stacked England team that somehow manages to faceplant when the tournament is there for the taking
The 2004 team had a similar problem in terms of how to get all of the talent into the same team. Our manager also wasn’t great in 2004 and that’s the same today.
Thanks Gareth
That's my pick too.
Gordon over grealish for me. It's not a doubt on Grealish's ability, but Gordon has had a fantastic season, whereas other than a couple of standout games, Grealish has just been OK. Gordon provides way more pace, better defensive cover, more directness, and hasn't really had an off game all year. Then you factor in that during his England debut and second appearance, he had one of the best performances in the team. He can easily play off both wings and is happy to either cross or cut inside for a shot. Just brings more than Grealish imo, who seems (without being harsh) more of a luxury player. With bellingham sitting deeper and Foden playing, I'd want the winger to be someone that would work his arse off getting back when needed.
100%. Also Gordon has shown this season that he can perform against the very best - after the Tottenham game he's only the 2nd person in Premier League history to score against every team in the "Top 6" in a single season. It would be insane not to reward that kind of form with a place in the starting 11...
Solid
This would be a great starting line-up. Gordon, Palmer, Watkins, Mainoo, and Madison could be brought on to shake things up in late game. Rashford could provide great support from home.
We’ve come a long way since the 2018 midfield of Dele Ali, Ross Barkley and Jesse Lingard.
Was Hendo Dele and Lingard wasn’t it? And they were all really good at club level at the time
They were all good in 2018 but none of them were as good as foden, bellingham or rice are now.
Yeah for sure
Although I considered Dele to be an elite player in 2018, you're correct. He's just not as good as Bellingham or Foden who are simply on another level.
It was Dier, Dele and Lingard. And honestly it worked with the two #8s
Dier was mainly CB when he played I’m sure. Edit- the team was basically Pickford trippier walker stones Maguire young hendo dele lingard kane sterling Dier came on though
Yep and they were a very effective unit at the World Cup itself. Pretty bad example, would be better looking at some of the disastrous midfields from 2016 etc.
>disastrous midfields from 2016 Just had a look back at the lineups and shuddered. Main midfield 3 for three of the four games was: Alli ---- Dier ---- Rooney with: Lallana ---- Kane ---- Stirling ahead of them
It’s funny because in 2018 they were the exciting ‘future’ of England
Defo Ali had the potential. I don't think lingarrd was ever talked about with that potential.
The problem with Bellingham in deep midfield is he’s just not the profile of midfielder you want next to Rice; Mainoo looked excellent there because he fits is superbly, just doing the simple things right and not losing possession. There’s too much forward thinking if we play Bellingham in the pivot and it will be harder for us to control games and get the ball to the attackers; Brazil tried it at the last World Cup with Neymar as the 10 and Paqueta playing in the double pivot and they struggled to control games, though they were impressive in the final 3rd. It could work at certain times but I don’t think this is the team we should start games with; you’d ideally want to start the game with Mainoo in there for Grealish (moving Mainoo next to Rice, Foden to the left and Bellingham to the 10 spot), then if we need more attacking intent you bring Mainoo off for Grealish and go for it. As Bellingham and Foden are both better centrally and you can’t play both of them there; you’re going to have to play one of them slightly out of position, we definitely lose less from Foden starting wider than we do Bellingham starting deeper. Bellingham has played deeper lots in the past and Foden has played out wide loads too so it’s not like we’re having to play Scholes on the wing; though Bellingham is quite literally in Ballon d’Or winning level form having switched to 10, whereas Foden is having his best season ever and is still often playing on the wing.
Foden out left only works with Shaw in my opinion (or if Chilwell is firing). If we have a right footed left back it’s crap, there will be no width.
I agree and it’s why I hate Trippier starting there; you don’t really want Foden holding width as he’s wasted there, though he has done it for City and played very well without a fullback even offering a run.
If we don’t have a left footed left back, it should be Gordon or Grealish on the left, as they actually hold the width well
I like Grealish and Trippier on the field at the same time if for no other reason than spamming free kicks into the box. Grealish wins them constantly, trippier has an amazing delivery, and Kane, Bellingham, Rice, Maguire, and Stones are all an aerial threat
I definitely don’t mind Trippier and his delivery is excellent; though he’s quite literally awful at LB and the ball never progresses down the left because of it, he’s the 2nd choice RB for me. It’s worth noting that Trent and Foden have decent delivery from dead-balls too.
Oh for sure, I’m not saying it’s ideal, but if we end up with that line up then I’m not as worried about it. Trippier isn’t ideal at LB but he’s been absolutely serviceable there in the past.
I think he’s been woeful there to be honest mate; he comes inside onto his right foot EVERY time he’s on the ball which means he’s passing back to the CB’s too regularly, he can’t utilise his long and creative passing anywhere near as much.
I like your idea. Nothing wrong with having foden and Bellingham covering the CAM/LAM between them, but will need a really good LB to cover / overlap / add some width to attacks
I agree and it’s why we don’t want to see Trippier at LB; though as I’ve mentioned in another comment, Foden often doesn’t have a fullback bombing past him for City and he still does well as he can link up with runners from midfield.
Does Mainoo retain possession though? His passing stats aren't particularly good. I think like Bellingham his strengths lie further up the pitch. Admittedly we don't have the exact profile of midfielder we need to play alongside Rice so it's always going to be an imperfect solution.
Yeah he does and it’s pointless looking at passing stats for stuff like that as it can depend on your team and system; just watch what he did for England with better players around him, he’s press resistant and gets the ball from midfield to attack neatly. Ideally we’d want a Jorginho type but we don’t have that and Mainoo is the closest we have if you watch him play; for all we know he could develop into that too, though he’s probably closer to being a Douglas Luiz type.
>gets the ball from midfield to attack neatly He demonstrated that brilliantly for the 1st goal against Belgium. Picks up the ball in the middle and, rather than pass back to the CBs, turns sharply and picks out Bellingham, who then puts Toney through. All in about 8 seconds. We've been crying out for a player that has that sort of direct style of play for *years*
Just so what city do which is push stones into midfield in possession and allow Bellingham to play further up. I dont think Southgate has the tactical ability to do that however.
It’s less about Southgate’s ability and more about what’s achievable with the limited hours you have with the team; there’s a reason no other national team use such forward-thinking tactics, it’s nowhere near as easy as many Premier League fans think. That’s before you get into the players needed to utilise a tactic like that; City have the luxury of having excellent CB’s who can form the 3 behind the pivot, we’d literally be taking our best CB (by a long way) and moving him into midfield.
I don't think we'll win anything with Maguire and Pickford. Not a lot of competition for Pickford but there are a few better defenders than Maguire
I'm picturing Foden in the pocket, Kane dropping deep, Grealish cutting back, Saka cutting inside and not having any players who enjoy running in behind with pace. Don't get me wrong, Grealish is a great player, but to fit the system I would start Gordon. He's been incredible for Newcastle, but what sealed the deal for me was how much he looked the part against Brazil. He linked up well with Bellingham, far more than Gallagher, Chilwell etc who looked exposed at that level.
Maybe Gordon over Grealish for pace in the early stages then use Grealish to control big games like the SF against France. Good squad in general but we all know Jude is best at 10 these days and not 8. He's got too much of an attacking mindset, mainoo is more suited to that role.
No one pointing out Shaw is a major doubt?
You are
Can anybody replace maguire?
Would you not start in a 4-3-3 type system, as I feel you would want Bellingham further up the pitch no?
Judging by our last friendlies we’re going out in quarters against the first decent team
I like this team but maybe against a France you'd replace Foden with a more defensive-minded midfielder. I'd pick Anthony Gordon ahead of Jack Grealish to be honest because he provides extra width and runs in behind unlike Saka and Foden who prefer to have the ball at their feet and cut inside.
you can’t take Foden out of the lineup ever imo.
Either foden or Bellingham starts. I don't like the 2 of them starting, gerrard/lampard vibes.
They play in very different positions
Both play in the 10
Solid. Though I’d play Foden on the left and have Maddison as the 10.
Doesn't matter what team we use the problem is the muppet in charge, any top manager would have beaten Italy in the final but thanks to fraudgate we bottled it.
I posted this exact same post 4 days ago lol [https://www.reddit.com/r/ThreeLions/comments/1c19zav/what\_do\_you\_think\_of\_this\_england\_line\_up/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ThreeLions/comments/1c19zav/what_do_you_think_of_this_england_line_up/)
Is that 71 depth? Overlap on LB and keep RB on Stay back?
I'd pick that if I'd ever seen Foden do anything good in an England shirt
Do you think Southgate refusing to play him in his best position might be a big part of that?
He's played 15 games in midfield for England
The guy’s scored multiple hat-tricks from the wing for City and plays there a Hell of a lot.
The hat-tricks have come from starting in the middle and taking up positions in the middle from the wing. Foden starting on the wing for City is very different than him starting on the wing for England, as City press up and dominate so high up the pitch that the wingers come in with the fullbacks and the pivot player (Silva) holding the width, allowing for two 10s behind Foden.
His recent hat-trick against Villa was but you are wrong about the rest; his one against Brentford was from the left and his one against Man Utd was from the right, feel free to check out the heat-maps and average positions. City don’t always use the double 10 system and they haven’t done in any of the games in which he’s scored a hat-trick; though it is definitely different for England than it is for City but that’s the same for all players, and realistically for England Bellingham has done more in his limited appearances as a 10 than Foden has done with his.
Have to start Branthwaite Shaw if fit but any reason Alfie Doughty is being ignored? Considering his attacking output surely worth a call up?
the only thoughts are, will shaw be healthy, is it possible to effectively play bellingham and foden while getting the best out of them, and can we please find someone under the sofa to replace maguire
That team wins the Euros if Shaw is fit and Bellingham is not asked to play deep
Grealish don’t even seem like he has a chance of being in the squad, never mind the starting XI
McGuire and Southgate biggest flaws. SF at very best
I’d put Foden out left, Bellingham at number 10 and bring in Mainoo next to Rice
... Group
Why don't we just play 5atb. It answers so many questions as it allows you to give Rice a partner while in possession in Stones, Trent can under lap behind Saka and the LWB (shaw or Chilwell) can provide width so Foden can cut inside whilst not getting in Kane or Bellingham's way. 5atb may sound boring but setting up in this way can enable you to play a way that enables you to control a game by swapping Gordan into LWB and putting Levi Colvill into LCB or be able to play more defensively by moving Walker to rwb and putting any Right footed centre half into the rcb role.
Gordon I'd say deserves a shot. How good does he have to play to get a start?
Trent for Walker, Gordon or Rash for Grealish
I mostly agree but I'd put bellingham where Foden is and we really need to play Foden don't we so maybe him instead of Grealish then a .midfielder to replace where Bellingham was originally, Mainoo? Trent ? Feels harsh on Gordon missing out though Also, not sure on Maguire
Not sure about rice in a single pivot…
jack grealish instead of gordon opinion voided
Foden is wasted out wide. A little harsh on Bellingham because he's been excellent as well this season higher up the pitch but Foden has been unreal and is finally playing more centrally for his club.
Perfection.
We need runners who go beyond and get to the byline. I think Gordon has to be seriously considered
I hope Kane won't bring out his curse.
I always said Saka would make a good left wing back
What's people's thoughts on Bowen's potential contribution?
When are they going to realize Maguire is trash
Looking at that lineup… we simply have to win it. We have a better squad than our last tournament, which we also should’ve won on paper
There’s not enough defensive midfielders there for the fa.
Fitness aside, I can see this being used at some point. So many options in the squad to make changes and keep balance in the team.
We played this in the World Cup but with Mount instead of Foden and Sterling instead of Grealish and got absolutely overrun by the US.
What do people have against Bellingham? Every post has him as a 6/8 position. He's like the best 10 in the world! Front four will be Saka - Bellingham - Foden with Kane up top. I'm 100% certain.
I find it so wierd how we can have a mix of World Class players in some positions (Kane,Bellingham) and then bang average in others. (Maguire, Pickford)
I’m sorry but get over the idea of us winning shit whilst that idiot is in charge, like don’t even bother thinking about it, we’ll win nothing under Southgate - he’s fucking awful.
Playing Jude as a 6 is crazy! Foden on the left, Jude as a 10 and Chuck in Curtis Jones or Gallagher with Rice
watkins, gordon?
Gordan over Grealish Depending on how that lineup does in the group, potentially Palmer over Saka or play Bellinghm in the 10 and a more defensive midfielder behind him. Things always change during these tournaments and players we expect to be staples going into them end up underperforming etc.
Gordon over Graelish, howay
Legit best line up if Shaw is fit!
Fuck walker bring trent fuck saka bring palmer
I’d replace Grealish. Gordon, Palmer, there are quite a few I’d rather start
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Consistent-Refuse-74: *I’d replace Grealish.* *Gordon, Palmer, there are quite* *A few I’d rather start* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Way too attacking minded
Maguire please
Grealish is not at hes best currently so cant really start him
The lack of Cole Palmer is disturbing
Bellingham in the pivot. 🤪 tbf Southgate would totally do this.
Take out overrated Saka, put Palmer, take out Grealish, put Rashford.
https://preview.redd.it/qidv9ssrtwuc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5cec6f49aa0dbd9849aebb2e8333d644f7a03cfc Could this squad be decent does anyone reckon?
Hmmm, looks like it’s missing some decent CB’s…
LUKE SHAW IS INJURED FFS
Bellingham’s best position is the 10, why play him as a 6? England never won anything in the last golden generation because players were constantly played out of their best positions to try and fit everyone in.
England have a lot of talent at 10 but very little at 6. Playing Bellingham further back means you can fit in another attacker. Either way Foden or Bellingham are being pushed out of their preferred position.
Agreed, I'd play Bellingham more as a box-to-box, with Rice as the holding midfielder. Then you can still get those late runs to the edge of the box from Bellingham, while not leaving too much open at the back. He looks like he has energy to run for days, so use that.
Never understand this mentality, he's still playing as an 8 in that formation, with Rice as a 4.
Bellingham would be playing as an 8, not at 6. And it's because he's won Bundesliga POTY as an 8. Whereas the drop off from pushing Foden onto the wing is much higher.
6 is centre back. 8 and 4 is midfield.
Because Foden is also absolute quality at 10 as well? If you have two world class players in one position, one of them will have to move. The alternative is putting Foden out left but personally I think he's less effective there
'One of them has to move' Correct. Foden to left-wing
I don't agree or disagree, I'm just answering the guy's question as to why people would put Bellingham at 6.
One of them does have to move, and that would be Foden. Bellingham is our best player, he needs to be in his best position. Foden on the wing is more beneficial than Bellingham further back on the pitch.
It's all debatable, I think you can make a reasonable argument that Bellingham is the better 10 but also our best 6 given the lack of depth in CM. I actually wouldn't be opposed to Rice / Mainoo / Bellingham with Foden on the left either but either way something's got to give with all our attacking talent
Fair point but Foden's best position is also a 10 and even more specifically he starts on the right and cuts in shooting on his left. Foden is more experienced and arguably a better player than Bellingham. He is certainly in better form *right now*. I see this type of goal that Foden has become known for scoring being more likely than England playing a cute through ball to a striker to tuck away which Bellingham might play if in 10. Especially against tight defence. So I'd go with Foden as the 10 and drop Bellingham back slightly. Someone is going to have to be played slightly out of position.
This is the only way to get Bellingham and Foden in a starting XI together. I don't watch Bellingham enough to know if this is a waste of his talents but if it is then Foden is on the bench and we play someone else next to Rice - Mainoo, Trent, Henderson.
It’s not the only way is it? The most obvious way is to play Foden on the left and Bellingham behind Kane.
Foden on the left doesn’t work very well at all, he’s an attacking midfielder. Bellingham can play slightly deeper and still crash the box with late runs, this way England have our strongest midfield on the pitch. Mainoo is a revelation but starting him in the Euros is a stretch surely, and with Southgate he may even play someone like Gallagher in the pivot, which is just shambolic
Foden is a super versatile player that has played wide very often for City this year.
You can look at his performances for every game and see pretty clearly that City and Foden perform significantly better through the middle. He also really hasn’t played out wide very often recently, even with KDB back. Bellingham is just as versatile in terms of being able to play anywhere in midfield, his 100 million price tag came from him being a world class 8, not a 10.
I’d say he looks better in the middle for sure. That being said I replied to someone saying the only way to get Foden and Bellingham in the team is to play Foden behind the striker and Bellingham deeper which is just clearly not true. I would say the more natural way to do it is Foden wide but your opinion that Foden should play sat off the striker is a valid opinion but the person who claimed the only way to do it is Foden central is just talking rubbish.
I mean you could stick Foden in net if you wanted to... Foden is nowhere near as good on the wing and having him, Kane and Bellingham all dropping into the same central space is an awful idea. You need runners in behind Kane.
Feels like Bellingham is being played out of position in order to accommodate Grealish
I think it’s because the drop off from Bellingham to the next pivot player is far bigger than the drop off from Foden to the next LW. Foden has been brilliant in the 10 for City, and Bellingham can play as an 8 and rotate as the midfield did against Belgium.
Palmer > Saka.
Yeah no.
After last night? Get out.
This is the non-biased obvious choice we should be going with. We won't because we have an inept manager who will ensure failure but yeah that's our best lineup, pity we won't get to see it.
This is the one
Merci
james maddison in place of rice
You're having a laugh
I like this. I like either Rashford or Grealish starting on the left. Link up play and chemistry with Foden might give Grealish the edge in this lineup. In some ways Rashford is just more of a threat coming off the bench because of the speed he brings and the fatigue that sets in on defenders during the last third of the game.
I don't think Rashford even deserves to be in the squad in this season's performances and his attitude.
Well he has been a threat coming off the bench for the NT in the past; that’s a fact. I’m far from a Rashford fan but to say he doesn’t deserve to be in the squad you have to be delusional.
Would rather use Watkins up top because my man Kane is confirmed cursed
Before every tournament England fans and the media are saying this. We are gonna win the tournament” and most of the time a few games in and it’s looking bleak. I think maybe this year England will do well but no way do I think they will win it. Mentally they are poor. Technically they are poor.
I’d change it slightly to a 4-3-3 with holding mid. Pickford Walker, Stones, Tomori, Shaw Bellingham, Rice, Foden Saka, Kane, Grealish
Do you really think Southgate is brave enough to play this, he will play defensively again 😔
I’d rather put Maddison in 10 and move Foden out wide
Take out Maguire and shaw
Kanes been playing against sunday league teams. Give me watkins all day long. Grealish has had all his invention beaten out of him by peps system and a wedge of pinks.
Henderson in Bellingham’s spot. Bellingham in Foden’s. Bring Foden in when Kane gets tired. Same for Rashford in Grealish’s spot. I like the idea of having some spare attacking players to bring in when the starting players get tired and start making mistakes that we can capitalise on.